Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) intermediate at least two adjacent sensors of the multiple sensors, and ii) offset from a location of each of the at least two adjacent sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact, wherein the electronic device includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer that are each disposed between an exterior surface of the electronic device and the multiple sensors, and determining the magnitude of the force of the external contact comprises: i) normalizing parameter values of the received input signals based on a first deflection property of the first substrate layer, and a second deflection property of the second substrate layer that is different than the first deflection property, and ii) determining, based on the normalized parameter values, the magnitude of the force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, and ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact; and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for detecting and processing external contact on an electronic device using multiple sensors positioned along its edge. The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining the precise location and magnitude of contact when the contact point lies between adjacent sensors, rather than directly on a sensor. The electronic device includes two substrate layers with distinct deflection properties, which affect how force is distributed and detected by the sensors. The method receives input signals from the sensors, analyzes the force distribution to pinpoint the contact location—even when it is offset from the nearest sensors—and calculates the force magnitude by normalizing the sensor signals based on the deflection properties of the two substrate layers. The system then evaluates whether the contact meets predefined sensing criteria, such as location and force thresholds, and triggers a corresponding user input action if the criteria are satisfied. This approach enables precise touch or pressure detection along the device's edge, improving user interaction accuracy.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the distribution forces includes generating a distribution profile by: i) executing Gaussian distribution logic to generate a data structure comprising parameter values for input signals generated by the multiple sensors in response to the external contact, and ii) determining, based on at least a subset of the parameter values, the location of the external contact.
This invention relates to a method for determining the location of an external contact on a surface using multiple sensors. The problem addressed is accurately identifying the precise location of contact, such as a touch or pressure, on a surface monitored by an array of sensors. The method involves analyzing sensor input signals to generate a distribution profile that maps the contact location. The process begins by executing Gaussian distribution logic to process input signals from the sensors. This logic generates a data structure containing parameter values derived from the sensor signals, which represent the spatial distribution of the contact. The parameter values may include statistical measures like mean, variance, or other Gaussian distribution characteristics. Using at least a subset of these parameter values, the method then determines the exact location of the external contact. This approach leverages statistical modeling to improve accuracy in contact localization, particularly in applications where sensor data may be noisy or sparse. The method is useful in touch-sensitive interfaces, pressure-sensitive surfaces, or other systems requiring precise contact detection.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein: i) the location of the external contact is a central location of the external contact; ii) the central location of the external contact is intermediate the at least two adjacent sensors of the multiple sensors; and iii) the central location of the external contact is offset from the location of each of the at least two adjacent sensors.
This invention relates to a method for determining the location of an external contact on a sensor array, addressing the challenge of accurately identifying contact positions when multiple sensors are involved. The method involves using a plurality of sensors arranged in a grid or array to detect an external contact, such as a touch or pressure input. The key improvement lies in determining the central location of the external contact, which is positioned between at least two adjacent sensors in the array. This central location is calculated to be offset from the positions of the adjacent sensors, ensuring precise localization even when the contact does not directly align with a single sensor. The method leverages the relative positions of the sensors to interpolate the contact's central point, enhancing accuracy in applications like touchscreens, pressure-sensitive surfaces, or other contact-detection systems. By focusing on the central location rather than direct sensor alignment, the method improves resolution and reduces errors in contact mapping. The technique is particularly useful in high-precision applications where fine-grained contact detection is required.
4. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) intermediate at least two adjacent sensors of the multiple sensors, and ii) offset from a location of each of the at least two adjacent sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact, wherein determining the magnitude of the force of the external contact comprises: i) identifying, based on a signal received from a sensor of the electronic device, a property of a protective housing in which the electronic device is encased, ii) normalizing parameter values of the received input signals based on the property of the protective housing, and iii) determining, based on the normalized parameter values, the magnitude of the force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, and ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact, and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for detecting and processing external contact on an electronic device using multiple sensors positioned along its edge. The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining the location and magnitude of contact when the contact point lies between sensors, improving touch or pressure-based input accuracy. The method involves receiving input signals from multiple sensors along the device's edge, which detect external contact. The system analyzes these signals to determine the distribution of forces across the sensors. Based on this distribution, it calculates the precise location of the contact, even when the contact is between two adjacent sensors and offset from their positions. Additionally, the method determines the magnitude of the applied force by normalizing the sensor signals based on the properties of the device's protective housing, ensuring accurate force measurement regardless of the housing material. The system then evaluates whether the detected contact meets predefined sensing criteria, considering both the contact location and force magnitude. If the criteria are satisfied, the system executes a corresponding user input action, such as a gesture or command. This approach enhances the precision and reliability of edge-based touch or pressure sensing in electronic devices.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein identifying the property of the protective housing comprises: i) detecting that the electronic device has been received by the protective housing, ii) in response to detecting that the electronic device has been received by the protective housing, identifying machine-readable data that is affixed to the protective housing, and iii) identifying, based on the machine-readable data, the property of the protective housing.
This invention relates to systems for identifying properties of protective housings used with electronic devices. The problem addressed is the lack of automated methods to determine specific characteristics of protective housings, such as material type, durability, or compatibility, when an electronic device is placed inside. The solution involves a method where an electronic device detects when it has been received by a protective housing. Upon detection, the device reads machine-readable data affixed to the housing, such as a barcode, QR code, or RFID tag. The machine-readable data is then processed to identify a property of the housing, such as its impact resistance, waterproofing level, or compatibility with the device. This allows the electronic device to automatically adjust settings, provide user feedback, or verify proper housing usage. The method ensures accurate and efficient identification of housing properties without manual intervention, enhancing device functionality and user experience. The system may also include additional steps, such as validating the housing's authenticity or checking for firmware updates based on the identified property. This approach improves safety, usability, and maintenance of electronic devices when used with protective housings.
6. An electronic system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage devices storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors to cause performance of operations that comprise: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) intermediate at least two adjacent sensors of the multiple sensors, and ii) offset from a location of each of the at least two adjacent sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact, wherein the electronic device includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer that are each disposed between an exterior surface of the electronic device and the multiple sensors, and determining the magnitude of the force of the external contact comprises: i) normalizing parameter values of the received input signals based on a first deflection property of the first substrate layer, and a second deflection property of the second substrate layer that is different than the first deflection property, and ii) determining, based on the normalized parameter values, the magnitude of the force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, and ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact; and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
The invention relates to an electronic system for detecting and processing external contact on an electronic device, particularly for accurately determining the location and magnitude of contact when sensors are spaced apart along an edge. The system addresses challenges in detecting precise contact points between sensors and compensating for variations in force measurement due to multiple substrate layers with different deflection properties. The electronic device includes one or more processors and non-transitory storage devices storing executable instructions. Multiple sensors along the device's edge generate input signals in response to external contact. The system processes these signals to determine the distribution of forces detected by the sensors. Based on this distribution, it calculates the exact location of the contact, even when the contact is between two adjacent sensors and offset from their positions. The system also determines the magnitude of the applied force by normalizing the input signals according to the deflection properties of two substrate layers (with different properties) between the sensors and the device's exterior surface. After analyzing the contact location and force magnitude, the system checks if predefined sensing criteria are met. If satisfied, it executes a corresponding user input action. This approach improves touch or pressure sensitivity in devices with edge-mounted sensors, ensuring accurate input detection despite sensor spacing and material variations.
7. The electronic system of claim 6 , wherein determining the distribution forces includes generating a distribution profile by: i) executing Gaussian distribution logic to generate a data structure comprising parameter values for input signals generated by the multiple sensors in response to the external contact, and ii) determining, based on at least a subset of the parameter values, the location of the external contact.
The invention relates to an electronic system for detecting and analyzing external contact, such as touch or pressure, using multiple sensors. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the location and distribution of forces from external contact, which is critical for applications like touchscreens, haptic feedback devices, and industrial control systems. The system includes a sensor array that generates input signals in response to external contact, and processing logic that analyzes these signals to determine the contact's characteristics. The system generates a distribution profile by applying Gaussian distribution logic to the sensor input signals. This involves creating a data structure containing parameter values derived from the signals, which represent the spatial and force distribution of the contact. The system then uses at least a subset of these parameter values to calculate the precise location of the external contact. This approach improves accuracy by accounting for variations in sensor sensitivity and environmental noise, ensuring reliable contact detection even in complex scenarios. The method enhances the system's ability to distinguish between different types of contact, such as single-point touches versus distributed pressure, and supports applications requiring high-resolution force mapping.
8. An electronic system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage devices storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors to cause performance of operations that comprise: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) intermediate at least two adjacent sensors of the multiple sensors, and ii) offset from a location of each of the at least two adjacent sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact, wherein determining the magnitude of the force of the external contact comprises: i) identifying, based on a signal received from a sensor of the electronic device, a property of a protective housing in which the electronic device is encased, ii) normalizing parameter values of the received input signals based on the property of the protective housing, and iii) determining, based on the normalized parameter values, the magnitude of the force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, and ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact; and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
An electronic system is designed to detect and interpret external contact along the edges of an electronic device using multiple sensors. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the precise location and magnitude of contact, even when the contact occurs between sensors or is influenced by external factors like protective housings. The system includes processors and storage devices with instructions to receive input signals from sensors distributed along the device's edge. These signals are generated when external contact is detected. The system analyzes the signals to determine the distribution of forces across the sensors, allowing it to pinpoint the exact location of contact, even if it lies between two adjacent sensors. The magnitude of the force is calculated by normalizing the sensor signals based on properties of the protective housing, ensuring accurate readings regardless of external casing variations. The system then evaluates whether the contact meets predefined sensing criteria, such as location and force thresholds. If the criteria are satisfied, the system executes a corresponding user input action, enabling responsive and precise interaction with the device. This approach enhances touch sensitivity and reliability, particularly in edge-based input scenarios.
9. The electronic system of claim 8 , wherein identifying the property of the protective housing comprises: i) detecting that the electronic device has been received by the protective housing, ii) in response to detecting that the electronic device has been received by the protective housing, identifying machine-readable data that is affixed to the protective housing, and iii) identifying, based on the machine-readable data, the property of the protective housing.
This invention relates to an electronic system for identifying properties of a protective housing used to enclose an electronic device. The system addresses the challenge of determining specific characteristics of the protective housing, such as its type, compatibility, or other relevant attributes, to ensure proper functionality or user guidance. The system includes an electronic device configured to detect when it has been received by the protective housing. Upon detection, the electronic device identifies machine-readable data affixed to the protective housing, such as a barcode, QR code, or RFID tag. The system then decodes this data to determine the property of the protective housing, enabling the electronic device to adjust its operation or provide feedback based on the identified property. This ensures compatibility, enhances user experience, and may trigger automated actions like software adjustments or notifications. The invention improves upon prior systems by automating the identification process, reducing manual input errors, and ensuring accurate property recognition for protective housings.
10. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were detected by the multiple sensors, wherein determining the distribution forces comprises generating a distribution profile by executing Gaussian distribution logic to generate a data structure comprising parameter values for input signals generated by the multiple sensors in response to the external contact; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) offset from a location of each of the multiple sensors; and ii) determined using at least a subset of the parameter values included in the data structure; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, and ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact; and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for detecting and processing external contact on an electronic device using multiple sensors positioned along its edge. The method addresses the challenge of accurately determining the precise location and magnitude of external contact, even when the contact occurs between sensors, by leveraging Gaussian distribution logic to interpolate force distributions. The method involves receiving input signals from multiple sensors along the device's edge, which generate signals in response to external contact. The system analyzes these signals to determine a distribution of forces using Gaussian distribution logic, creating a data structure with parameter values representing the input signals. From this distribution, the system calculates the exact location of the contact, which may be offset from the sensors' positions, and the magnitude of the applied force. The system then evaluates whether predefined sensing criteria are met based on the contact's location and force magnitude. If the criteria are satisfied, the system executes a corresponding user input action, such as a gesture or command. This approach improves touch or pressure sensitivity by enabling precise detection of contact points and forces, even in areas between sensors, enhancing the device's responsiveness and accuracy in interpreting user interactions.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising determining that the external contact comprises one of: i) a swipe along the edge of the electronic device, ii) a tap on the edge of the electronic device, or iii) a squeeze at two edges of the electronic device.
This invention relates to touch-based user interfaces for electronic devices, specifically methods for detecting and interpreting external contact gestures on the edges of a device. The problem addressed is the need for intuitive, edge-based interactions that enhance usability without relying on traditional screen-based inputs. The method involves detecting physical contact along the edges of an electronic device and classifying the contact as one of three distinct gestures: a swipe along the edge, a tap on the edge, or a squeeze at two edges. These gestures are processed to trigger specific device functions, such as navigation, command execution, or mode switching. The detection system differentiates between these gestures based on contact duration, pressure, and spatial patterns. The method improves accessibility and efficiency by enabling hands-free or one-handed operation, particularly useful in scenarios where screen interaction is impractical. The invention also includes mechanisms to filter out unintended contacts, ensuring only deliberate gestures are recognized. This approach expands the interaction surface of the device beyond the display, providing a more versatile and ergonomic user experience.
12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising determining that the external contact comprises an inadvertent user input.
A system and method for detecting and handling inadvertent user inputs in electronic devices. The technology addresses the problem of unintended interactions with touchscreens or other input interfaces, which can lead to errors, unwanted actions, or system malfunctions. The method involves analyzing external contact events to distinguish between intentional user inputs and accidental touches, such as those caused by environmental factors or unintended physical contact. The system evaluates characteristics of the contact, such as duration, pressure, location, and movement patterns, to determine whether the input is likely inadvertent. If an inadvertent input is detected, the system may ignore the contact, prompt the user for confirmation, or take corrective action to prevent unintended consequences. This improves user experience by reducing errors and enhancing the reliability of touch-based interfaces. The method may be applied in smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, or other electronic systems where touch or proximity-based inputs are used. The solution ensures that only deliberate user actions are processed, minimizing disruptions and maintaining system integrity.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the sensing criteria comprises at least one of: i) a threshold magnitude of force, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact exceeds the threshold magnitude of force; ii) a threshold time duration, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that a time duration of the external contact exceeds the threshold time duration, or is below the threshold time duration; or iii) a particular location of the external contact, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that the determined location of the external contact corresponds to the particular location.
This invention relates to a method for detecting and processing external contact interactions with a device, particularly focusing on determining whether the contact meets predefined sensing criteria. The method involves detecting an external contact on a surface of the device and determining the magnitude, duration, and location of the contact. The sensing criteria can be based on one or more of the following: a threshold magnitude of force, where the criteria is satisfied if the detected force exceeds the threshold; a threshold time duration, where the criteria is satisfied if the contact duration exceeds or falls below the threshold; or a specific location, where the criteria is satisfied if the contact occurs at the predefined location. The method enables the device to respond selectively to different types of contact interactions, improving user input detection and system responsiveness. This approach is useful in applications such as touchscreens, control panels, or interactive surfaces where precise and context-aware contact detection is required. The invention enhances the ability to distinguish between intentional and unintentional interactions, reducing false positives and improving overall system accuracy.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the electronic device includes a proximity sensor and a motion sensor, and the method further comprises at least one of: i) adjusting the threshold magnitude of the force based on data being received from the proximity sensor or the motion sensor satisfying proximity or movement criteria; or ii) adjusting the threshold time duration based on data being received from the proximity sensor or the motion sensor satisfying the proximity or the movement criteria.
This invention relates to methods for detecting and responding to user interactions with an electronic device, particularly focusing on force-based inputs. The problem addressed is improving the accuracy and responsiveness of force-based input detection by dynamically adjusting detection parameters based on contextual data from proximity and motion sensors. The method involves an electronic device equipped with a proximity sensor and a motion sensor. The device detects a force input applied to its surface, such as a press or tap, and evaluates whether the force meets predefined criteria. The key innovation is dynamically adjusting the threshold magnitude of the force or the threshold time duration required to register a valid input. These adjustments are based on data from the proximity or motion sensors. For example, if the proximity sensor detects that a user's hand is approaching the device, the threshold force magnitude may be lowered to ensure the input is recognized more easily. Similarly, if the motion sensor detects movement that suggests the user is preparing to interact with the device, the threshold time duration may be shortened to reduce latency. This adaptive approach enhances user experience by making force-based inputs more reliable and responsive in different usage scenarios, such as when the device is stationary or in motion. The method ensures that inputs are accurately detected while minimizing false positives or missed inputs.
15. An electronic system comprising: one or more processors; and one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage devices storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors to cause performance of operations comprising: receiving, by one or more processors of an electronic device, input signals from multiple sensors located along an edge of the electronic device, the input signals being generated in response to external contact detected by the multiple sensors; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the input signals, a distribution of forces that were applied to the multiple sensors, wherein determining the distribution forces comprises generating a distribution profile by executing Gaussian distribution logic to generate a data structure comprising parameter values for input signals generated by the multiple sensors in response to the external contact; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a location of the external contact, wherein the location of the external contact is: i) offset from a location of each of the multiple sensors; and ii) determined using at least a subset of the parameter values included in the data structure; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the determined distribution of forces, a magnitude of a force of the external contact; detecting, by the one or more processors, whether sensing criteria have been satisfied based on an analysis of: i) the determined location of the external contact, ii) the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact, and iii) a time duration of the external contact; and executing, by the one or more processors, responsive to detecting that the sensing criteria have been satisfied, a user input action.
The invention relates to an electronic system for detecting and processing external contact on an electronic device, particularly along its edges. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the precise location and magnitude of contact when multiple sensors are distributed along the device's edge, where the contact point may not align directly with any single sensor. The system includes processors and non-transitory storage devices storing executable instructions. The instructions enable the system to receive input signals from multiple edge-mounted sensors in response to external contact. The system then analyzes these signals to determine the distribution of applied forces using Gaussian distribution logic, generating a data structure with parameter values for each sensor's input. Based on this distribution, the system calculates the exact location of the contact, which may be offset from any individual sensor, and the magnitude of the applied force. The system further evaluates whether predefined sensing criteria are met by analyzing the contact's location, force magnitude, and duration. If the criteria are satisfied, the system executes a corresponding user input action. This approach enhances touch or pressure sensitivity along device edges, improving user interaction accuracy.
16. The electronic system of claim 15 , further comprising that the external contact comprises one of: i) a swipe along the edge of the electronic device, ii) a tap on the edge of the electronic device, or iii) a squeeze at two edges of the electronic device.
This invention relates to an electronic system with an external contact mechanism for user interaction. The system includes a housing with an edge surface and a sensor configured to detect physical contact along the edge. The sensor generates a signal in response to the contact, which is processed to determine the type of interaction. The system then performs a corresponding function based on the detected contact. The external contact can be one of three types: a swipe along the edge, a tap on the edge, or a squeeze at two edges of the device. The system may also include a processor to analyze the sensor data and execute the appropriate action, such as launching an application, adjusting settings, or navigating interfaces. The edge-based interaction provides an alternative to traditional touchscreens or buttons, offering a more intuitive and accessible way to control the device. The sensor may be integrated into the housing or positioned along the edge to detect gestures accurately. The system may further include feedback mechanisms, such as haptic or visual responses, to confirm the detected interaction. This design enhances usability by allowing users to interact with the device without obstructing the display or requiring precise touch inputs.
17. The electronic system of claim 15 , further comprising that the external contact comprises an inadvertent user input.
The invention relates to electronic systems designed to prevent unintended user inputs, particularly in touch-sensitive devices. The problem addressed is the occurrence of accidental or unintentional activation of touch-sensitive interfaces, such as when a device is carried in a pocket or bag, leading to false inputs or unintended actions. The system includes a touch-sensitive interface that detects external contact, such as pressure or proximity, and distinguishes between intentional user inputs and inadvertent contacts. The system further includes a processing unit that analyzes the detected contact to determine whether it is an intentional input or an unintended touch, such as from an external object or surface. If the contact is classified as inadvertent, the system suppresses or ignores the input to prevent unintended device actions. The system may also include additional sensors or algorithms to refine the detection process, ensuring that only deliberate user interactions trigger device responses. This solution enhances user experience by reducing false activations while maintaining responsiveness to genuine inputs.
18. The electronic system of claim 15 , wherein the sensing criteria comprises at least one of: i) a threshold magnitude of force, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that the determined magnitude of the force of the external contact exceeds the threshold magnitude of force; ii) a threshold time duration, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that the time duration of the external contact exceeds the threshold time duration, or is below the threshold time duration; or iii) a particular location of the external contact, such that the sensing criteria is satisfied in response to detecting that the determined location of the external contact corresponds to the particular location.
An electronic system is designed to detect and respond to external contact, such as touch or pressure, by evaluating specific sensing criteria. The system determines the magnitude, duration, and location of the external contact and compares these parameters against predefined thresholds or conditions. The sensing criteria can include a threshold magnitude of force, where the system triggers a response if the detected force exceeds a specified level. Alternatively, the criteria may involve a threshold time duration, where the system responds if the contact duration exceeds or falls below a set time limit. Additionally, the system can evaluate the location of the contact, activating a response only if the contact occurs at a specific predefined location. This allows the system to distinguish between intentional interactions and unintentional or irrelevant contacts, improving accuracy and reducing false positives. The system's ability to customize sensing criteria based on force, duration, or location enables versatile applications in touch-sensitive devices, security systems, or user interface controls.
19. The electronic system of claim 18 , wherein the electronic device includes a proximity sensor and a motion sensor, and the method further comprises at least one of: i) adjusting the threshold magnitude of force based on data being received from the proximity sensor or the motion sensor satisfying proximity or movement criteria; or ii) adjusting the threshold time duration based on data being received from the proximity sensor or the motion sensor satisfying the proximity or the movement criteria.
An electronic system includes an electronic device with a touch-sensitive surface and a force sensor configured to detect a force applied to the touch-sensitive surface. The system determines whether the force meets or exceeds a threshold magnitude for a threshold time duration to trigger a predefined action. The electronic device further includes a proximity sensor and a motion sensor. The system adjusts the threshold magnitude of force or the threshold time duration based on data received from the proximity sensor or the motion sensor. Specifically, if the proximity sensor detects an object within a certain range or the motion sensor detects movement meeting predefined criteria, the system modifies the threshold values to enhance responsiveness or prevent unintended activations. This adaptive adjustment ensures the system accurately interprets user interactions while minimizing false triggers. The proximity and motion sensors provide contextual data to dynamically adjust sensitivity, improving user experience in varying environments.
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December 24, 2019
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